Working with Microsoft to connect Africa

Our dynamic spectrum management solution is being used by Microsoft to deliver broadband in the African continent. The partnership use the TVWS database along with Microsoft’s Azure to enable the deployment of low-cost terrestrial wireless broadband internet to communities across the continent.

TVWS is unassigned or unused broadcast frequencies in the radio spectrum. The available set of TVWS frequencies varies, so the database identifies which frequencies devices can use in that area, at what power and for how long.

This solution enables two-way communications at high data-rates over long distances and delivers connectivity to large open areas where it has been traditionally difficult to deploy fixed infrastructure.

Paul Garnett, Director of Affordable Access Initiatives, Microsoft said: “Microsoft’s current mission is to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more. For that reason, Microsoft is working with public and private sector partners around the world to develop technologies and business models that will make it easier for billions more people to affordably get online. In furtherance of these goals, Microsoft is excited to be working with Nominet on developing Microsoft Azure cloud-based TV white space databases that will enable Internet access providers across Africa to leverage unused broadcast frequencies and deliver low-cost broadband Internet access.”

Microsoft is currently supporting broadband connectivity programmes in Kenya, Botswana, Malawi, Ghana and right across Africa through its Affordable Access Initiatives.

About Microsoft’s Affordable Access Initiative

More than half of the world’s population lacks access to affordable Internet and the opportunities it makes possible. Through Affordable Access Initiative partnerships with local entrepreneurs and innovators around the world, Microsoft is working to close the digital divide and empower people to do more.